Kathmandu:

The poetry reading series at Spiny Babbler for the year 2008 started on January 12 with the poetry reading session by Liza Wolsky from New York. The programme was inaugurated by renowned poet Kali Prasad Rizal. Prominent poets like Tulsi Diwas,

Benju Sharma, Usha Sherchan and Greta Rana were also present at the function and recited their poems too. Musical performance was given by Spiny Babbler’s musical unit — Spanish Jam and Senorita.

It was then followed by a poetry recitation by students of Nirmal School. Poems written by the above mentioned poets and other famous personalities were presented by the student. The poems were translated in English by Pallav Ranjan. The confidence and the expressive way in which the students recited the poems were laudable.

Finally, Wolsky, who does not restrict herself to any particular format or style of writing, presented various beautiful poems. Her poem Esquimelling’s revenge was about a pirate of the 1970s while drink and the devil spoke of an acquaintance who is a heroin addict, and the fortune teller talked about her work and others too. The interesting way in which Wolsky read out the poems had everyone totally immersed into it. An enthusiastic Wolsky said, “Even though I don’t understand Nepali, I think the sounds and words are really beautiful. The way the poets recited the poem I knew the session was going to be gusto.”

Besides commencing this year’s poetry reading sessions, Wolsky is also here to help Spiny Babbler with their curriculum for the arts programme and to see that the psychological aspect of the curriculum is optimal. Wolsky is a psychotherapist and assistant professor at State University of New York.